Largest local government solar project switched on

August 18, 2009 Last updated 2 months ago

The largest rooftop solar panel system for any local Council in Australia has been switched on at Randwick City Council’s Works Depot in Maroubra in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, providing 25 per cent of the Depot’s annual electricity demand.

A 36kW system, installed recently by Australian owned and operated Solgen Energy, was connected with a number of existing panels to create a 48kW solar power system. The most recent 36kW installation incorporates 216 photovoltaic (PV) modules, generating up to 58 megawatts (MW) of electricity annually – enough to power almost eight homes for 12 months and preventing 58 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.

Joint Director of Solgen Energy, Joe Coco, praised Randwick City Council for its leadership in the installation of solar power and expects the project will have a positive impact on other local Councils, local businesses and residents as they consider the long-term benefits of going solar, including lowering electricity bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Acting Mayor, Cr. Margaret Woodsmith, said she hoped this latest initiative would encourage other local councils to further their sustainability practices. “This solar panel project is one of the Council’s many sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact. We hope these initiatives will encourage other local councils to look into enhanced ways of reducing their carbon footprint,” Cr. Woodsmith said.

Mr Coco said comprehensive monitoring equipment was installed as part of the solar project enabling Council staff to analyse and review the energy savings achieved from the new system. “Council’s Depot installation will use the highest quality SCHOTT solar panel modules, which are ideally suited to Australia’s harsh climate and have been proven to outlast competitors in terms of durability and efficiency,” Mr Coco said.

Randwick City Council is an environmental leader in the local government sector having already installed 20 kilowatts of solar panels at Council sites, completing major water saving projects, introducing a community car share scheme for its residents that includes designated parking for car share and hybrid vehicles at popular shopping and beachside locations.

The Council uses a special environmental levy to fund a comprehensive ‘Sustaining Our City’ program which incorporates a Local Greenhouse Action Plan and a range of community education initiatives such as the annual Eco Living Fair and Give us your Best Green Innovation (Best GRIN) awards for residents, schools and businesses.

Solgen Energy is a locally owned company, committed to delivering tailored solar solutions to government bodies, businesses, homeowners and community organisations.